Patna, Bihar — July 28, 2025: The monsoon has finally picked up momentum in Bihar after weeks of sluggish activity, bringing both relief and chaos in its wake. Several parts of the state, including the capital Patna, were drenched by overnight downpours, disrupting daily life and leading to widespread waterlogging.
Patna Underwater: Life Disrupted in Key Areas
In Patna, the rain arrived late Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday, resulting in nearly two feet of water accumulating in many low-lying areas. Major parts of the city including Patna Junction, Kankarbagh, and Patna City have been severely impacted, with submerged roads, stalled traffic, and water entering homes and shops.
Residents woke up to flooded streets, closed schools in some localities, and long traffic snarls as commuters struggled to navigate the inundated routes. “Every year we face the same issue. Just a few hours of rain, and the entire area is underwater,” lamented Manoj Kumar, a shopkeeper near Patna Junction.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 27 Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for 27 districts of Bihar, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy rain. The alert is valid through Monday and comes with a caution about strong winds ranging between 30 to 40 km/h.
People in the alert zones have been advised to stay indoors during lightning and avoid travel unless necessary. The IMD has also warned farmers and laborers working in open fields to be especially vigilant.
Monsoon Still Below Normal: Drought Worries Linger
Despite the return of rains, Bihar continues to reel under a 43% monsoon rainfall deficit. According to IMD data collected between June 1 and July 27, the state has received only 258.0 mm of rainfall, far below the seasonal average.
Agriculture-dependent regions in the state are facing increasing concerns about drought-like conditions, with water scarcity and crop damage becoming a real threat. However, Gaya district stands out as the lone bright spot, having received 20% more rainfall than normal so far this season.
New Bay of Bengal System Behind Increased Rainfall
Meteorologists at the Patna Meteorological Centre attribute this sudden surge in monsoon activity to a new low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal. This system is expected to intensify over the coming days, likely bringing light to moderate rain across several districts, with isolated heavy rainfall in select areas.
“This system may not be intense enough to fully bridge the rainfall gap in Bihar, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Anamika Sinha, a senior meteorologist in Patna.
Patna’s Monday Forecast: Cloudy Skies and Gusty Winds
Patna remains under Yellow Alert, with the day’s forecast indicating cloudy skies, intermittent light showers, and strong gusts of wind. Temperatures are expected to dip by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, offering a brief respite from the humid conditions that have gripped the city for weeks.
Residents welcomed the drop in heat, though many remained concerned about the deteriorating drainage systems. “The rain is good, but we’re paying the price because the city wasn’t prepared,” said Rekha Devi, a resident of Kankarbagh.
Looking Ahead: Relief and Risk Go Hand in Hand
While the return of monsoon brings hope for farmers and relief from heat, it also highlights the urgent need for better urban infrastructure to handle such weather events. As rains continue over the next few days, citizens are urged to follow local weather advisories and avoid flood-prone zones.
The monsoon is back—but for Bihar, the road to recovery from the rainfall deficit and urban flooding challenges is still long and uncertain.
